Joe Douglas Remembers Late Jets' Staffer at Start of Pre-Draft Presser

The New York Jets' general manager mourned the loss of Matthew Capogrosso while addressing reporters two days prior to the 2023 NFL Draft

It wasn't all about Aaron Rodgers.

New York Jets' GM Joe Douglas kicked off the pre-draft press conference with a tribute to the late Matthew Capogrosso, who served as the Jets' director of football systems. 

"As excited as we all are, last week was a tough week for our football family. Just want to talk about it, give our condolences, our love and support to two families within our family here at One Jets Drive," said Douglas. "We lost a great teammate in Matt Capogrosso."

Having joined the organization as a lead software developer in 2008, the beloved Capogrosso passed away on April 14 after a two-year battle with cancer. 

"Cappy," as he was affectionately known, was only 44 years old. 

"He was an unbelievable teammate, humble, hardworking, selfless, a great person, and largely responsible for our scouting system, which I feel is one of, if not the best, in the National Football League," said Douglas. 

We’re heartbroken to announce the passing of Matthew Capogrosso, our director of football systems.

Please join us in sending our love to the Capogrosso family 💚

— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 14, 2023

Douglas then shifted his thoughts to Jets' EVP Brian Friedman and his family during their time of grief. 

"Also, want to pour out our condolences, our love to Brian Friedman and his wife, Diane, who tragically lost their son. We love them, support them with anything, any issues they have going forward," said Douglas.

Friedman has spent 13 years with Gang Green, including nine as the franchise's chief financial officer. 

"Just wanted to tell them, ‘We love you and we got your back through everything,'" said Douglas, who was joined on the dais by Make-A-Wish recipient Kyle Stickles.

Set to attend the 2023 NFL Draft as a special guest of the league, Stickles, an avid Jets' fan, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in his left tibia in 2020. 

According to an NFL Communications Press Release, Stickles has had a successful journey on the road to recovery. 

"He received chemotherapy until June 2021 and after a lot of hard work and physical therapy, he has been able to walk again," read the NFL statement. 

Stickles is scheduled to join NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on stage to announce one of the Jets' Draft choices.

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